Wu Tong couldn't have been more satisfied with his gains. The difference between restricted and unrestricted techniques was like comparing heaven and earth—ten thousand common manuals couldn't equal one properly guarded secret.
Browsing Wisdom King's archives, he felt profound relief at having made that request to the Heavenly Master. Leaving without these treasures would have been like picking up sesame seeds while missing the watermelon.
"Young friend Wu Tong, your three days have concluded."
The calm voice snapped Wu Tong from his thoughts. At the archives' entrance stood the Heavenly Master in plain Daoist robes, his fathomless eyes seeming to pierce through Wu Tong's very soul.
"Greetings, Heavenly Master." Wu Tong bowed respectfully.
The old master had come personally as promised. "No need for formalities. You seem... pleased with your harvest."
Wu Tong didn't bother hiding his satisfaction. "Far beyond expectations. Your generosity won't be forgotten."
"A simple transaction," the Heavenly Master chuckled. "Just remember our agreement."
"Of course."
With that, the Heavenly Master led him from the archives.
"Chulan! How've you been these days?" Wu Tong called out cheerfully upon seeing the approaching group, his grin widening at certain rumors.
"Tong-ge! You're finally out!" Zhang Chulan's initial greeting quickly turned into a grimace. "Don't even ask. I was on guard the whole time, but they still got me."
Wu Tong burst out laughing. "They" referred to the Lu family juniors—Lu Linglong, Canglong, Zhijinhua, Bai Shixue, Wang Ergou, Yun, Lu Lin and others—whom Lu Jin had brought to Dragon Tiger Mountain under the pretense of "building camaraderie" while he went searching for his master's remains.
Everything had been fine until someone uncovered Zhang Chulan's most embarrassing secret—the chastity seal on his... lower body.
What followed was a legendary ambush disguised as a welcoming party. The unsuspecting Zhang Chulan, reassured by the Heavenly Master's promised attendance, let his guard down. Before the old master arrived, they'd gotten him drunk.
Then came the infamous "Moonlit Birdwalk" incident.
How did Wu Tong know? By morning, the story had spread across Dragon Tiger Mountain like wildfire—even reaching him in the secluded archives through gossiping junior priests.
Rumors said Zhang Lingyu had been furious enough to confront Zhang Chulan, though apparently the Heavenly Master had intervened.
The surrounding juniors snickered at the memory, clearly pleased with their handiwork.
"Cheer up, Chulan," Wu Tong patted his shoulder. "At least fewer people saw it compared to the original storyline, right?"
"I'm leaving tonight. How about one last gathering?"
Zhang Chulan shuddered. "No more parties!"
Wu Tong's exaggerated disappointment made Zhang Chulan suspicious—was that genuine or disappointment at a failed prank?
Quickly changing topics, Wu Tong asked about the Luo Tian Grand Ritual preparations.
"All set," Zhang Chulan explained. "The announcement goes out tomorrow. One month until showtime—and Quanxing's trap springs shut."
"Message me if you need help. I should be free then."
"Wouldn't dream of being polite!" Zhang Chulan grinned.
Their conversation was interrupted by a rotund young man sidling up to Wu Tong like a back-alley DVD vendor.
"Wu Tong, right? Heard so much about you!" Canglong waggled his phone. "Care to see Chulan's... moonlit performance?"
"YOU SAID YOU DELETED THOSE!" Zhang Chulan lunged.
"Art should be preserved!" Canglong dodged with surprising agility for his size.
As the chase unfolded—Zhang Chulan's furious grabs meeting only air—the others roared with laughter.
Wu Tong smiled wistfully at the scene. Ah, youth.
Amidst the chaos, proper introductions were finally made between Wu Tong and the Lu family juniors—though Zhang Chulan's shrieks about "digital evidence destruction" provided continuous background noise.
***********************************************
Read 50 advance at patreon.com/CNBLUE